Naser Safaie | Plant Pathology | Research Excellence Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naser Safaie | Plant Pathology | Research Excellence Award

Tarbiat Modares University | Iran

Naser Safaie is a distinguished plant pathologist and mycologist whose academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Plant Protection from Isfahan University of Technology, followed by an M.Sc. in Plant Pathology from Chamran University, and culminating in a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology–Mycology from Tarbiat Modares University. Over more than three decades, he has developed deep expertise in the biological control of phytopathogenic fungi using microbial antagonists, molecular diagnostics, fungal taxonomy, bioformulation of biocontrol products, and plant–microbe interaction studies. As a seasoned professor and long-time department head at the Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University, he has led numerous high-impact research projects spanning fungal pathogen epidemiology, stress tolerance via endophytes, biofertilizers, and cold-plasma applications in agriculture. Recognized for his leadership roles (including editorial responsibilities and presidency of the Iranian Society of Plant Pathology), he has mentored generations of students and spearheaded the translation of lab innovations into practical biocontrol and biofertilizer products. His work bridges fundamental science and agricultural application, contributing to sustainable crop protection and biotechnology development.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Najafi, M. R., Kordrostami, M., Aghajani, M. A., Safaie, N., & Rahmanpour, S. (2025, October 7). Multilayer perceptron neural network–genetic algorithm for modeling Nicotiana tabacum leaf quality. PLOS One.

Jahedi, A., Safaie, N., Goltapeh, E. M., & Ahmadifar, S. (2024). Auricularia (wood ear mushroom) genus: A contribution to classification and new species records for Iran and world. Plant and Fungal Systematics.

Rahimi-Soujeh, Z., Safaie, N., Moradi, S., Abbod, M., Sharifi, R., Mojerlou, S., & Mokhtassi-Bidgoli, A. (2024, October). New binary mixtures of fungicides against Macrophomina phaseolina: Machine learning-driven QSAR, read-across prediction, and molecular dynamics simulation. Chemosphere.

Abbod, M., Safaie, N., & Gholivand, K. (2024, August). Genetic algorithm multiple linear regression and machine learning-driven QSTR modeling for the acute toxicity of sterol biosynthesis inhibitor fungicides. Heliyon.

Hussein, S. N., Safaie, N., Shams-bakhsh, M., & Al-Juboory, H. H. (2024, August). Harnessing rhizobacteria: Isolation, identification, and antifungal potential against soil pathogens. Heliyon,

Seyed Reza Fani | Plant Pathology | Plant Disease Control Innovation

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seyed Reza Fani | Plant Pathology | Plant Disease Control Innovation

Plant Protection Research Department, Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Yazd | Iran

Dr. Seyed Reza Fani is an Assistant Professor of Plant Pathology at the Agriculture and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Yazd, Iran. He holds a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch of Tehran, completed in 2013. His doctoral research focused on utilizing atoxigenic Aspergillus flavus isolates to control aflatoxin contamination in pistachio nuts. Dr. Fani’s professional journey includes roles as a researcher and expert in plant pathology laboratories within the Iranian Plant Protection Organization and the Agriculture Organization of Sistan-Baluchistan province. His research interests encompass mycotoxin management, biological control agents, and integrated pest management strategies. He has contributed to over 5 H- index, with more than 95 citations. His work has been presented at various international conferences, including the MYCOKEY International Conference and the International Mycotoxin Conference. Dr. Fani’s expertise is instrumental in advancing sustainable agricultural practices in Iran.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Fani, S. R., Nouri Gharansaraei, S., Rezaee, S., Mohammadi-Moghadam, M., Zamanizadeh, H. R., & Shahbazi, S. (2025, December). Gamma-induced Trichoderma guizhouense mutants: Enhanced biocontrol of Fusarium wilt in cucumbers and improved environmental stress tolerance. Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection.

Fani, S. R., & Moradi, M. (2025, May 15). An overview of pistachio gummosis: A comprehensive analysis. Tropical Plant Pathology.

Nouri Gharansaraei, S., Fani, S. R., Rezaee, S., Mohammadi-Moghadam, M., Zamanizadeh, H. R., & Shahbazi, S. (2025, March 27). Gamma-induced Trichoderma guizhouense mutants: Enhanced biocontrol of Fusarium wilt in cucumbers and improved environmental stress tolerance.

Kazemi, A., Sedaghati, E., Fani, S. R., Moradi, M., & Nadi, M. (2023). Effect of sulfur on toxigenic Aspergillus flavus in vitro. Journal of Nuts.

Mohammadi-Moghadam, M., Fani, S. R., Ghasemi, M., & Aldaghi, M. (2023). Population density of Aspergillus section Flavi and aflatoxin content in different types of pistachio nuts. Journal of Chemical Health Risks.

Martha Sheepo | crop science | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Martha Sheepo | crop science | Best Researcher Award

University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg | South Africa

Author Profile

Orcid ID

🌟  Suitable for this Best Researcher Award

Martha Ligola Gorases (née Sheepo) is an exceptional agriculturalist with over 15 years of expertise in crop science, research, and training. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture, focusing on optimizing crop production, improving soil health, and empowering farmers with cutting-edge agricultural techniques. As an Agricultural Scientific Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, she has played a key role in policy development, research extension, and farmer support programs. Her doctoral research on cattle manure as a nutrient source for sweet potato production exemplifies her dedication to sustainable farming solutions. Martha’s work in conservation science and agricultural advisory services highlights her multidisciplinary approach to food security and land management. With a passion for knowledge dissemination, she has trained countless farmers and students, contributing to the advancement of crop science in Namibia. Her significant contributions make her a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.

🎓 Education 

Martha Ligola Gorases is a Doctoral Candidate in Crop Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (2023-2025), researching the potential of cattle manure as a sustainable nutrient source for sweet potato cultivation. She holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture Management (2018) from the University of the Free State, where she studied the adoption of food bank initiatives in peri-urban Namibia. Her Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Management (2010) and National Diploma in Natural Resource Management (2008) from the Namibia University of Science and Technology provided a strong foundation in sustainable crop production. She has also obtained a Certificate in Applied Business Process Management (2011) to enhance her leadership skills in agricultural projects. With a diverse academic background integrating research, extension, and policy development, Martha’s education reflects her dedication to improving agricultural systems for both smallholder and commercial farmers.

 💼  Professional Experience

Martha Ligola Gorases has over 15 years of hands-on experience in crop science, agricultural research, and extension services. Since 2021, she has served as an Agricultural Scientific Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Water & Land Reform, where she provides agricultural extension services, develops policy frameworks, and empowers farmers through training. From 2020 to 2021, she worked as a Conservation Scientist at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, contributing to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation initiatives. Her experience also includes serving as a Research Technician at the University of Namibia (2012-2015), where she conducted rice cultivation research and provided farmer advisory services. Additionally, she has worked in the private sector as a Researcher at Agra Co-operative Limited, focusing on fodder nutrition for livestock. Her diverse experience in research, extension, policy-making, and education makes her an influential figure in sustainable agriculture and crop science.

🏅 Awards and Recognition 

Martha Ligola Gorases has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to crop science and agricultural development. She was a contributing author of the Kunene Drought Resilience Strategy (2022) and the Namibia Agriculture Extension Strategy (2022), highlighting her expertise in policy-making and sustainable farming. Her work on the Namibian Tourism Spatial Master Plan (endorsed by the UNWTO in 2021) showcases her interdisciplinary knowledge in conservation agriculture. She has been honored with multiple certificates for her research contributions, including Better Business Writing (2012), Meticulous Workplace Reporting (2011), and Commercial Advancement Training Scheme (2010). Additionally, she played a crucial role in the Namibia Agricultural Mechanization Seed Improvement Project (2021-2023). Her work in fodder research, farmer training, and conservation planning has made a profound impact on Namibia’s agricultural landscape, making her an exemplary candidate for this award.

🌍Research skills On Crop Science

Martha Ligola Gorases possesses advanced research skills in crop science, soil fertility management, agricultural policy development, and sustainable farming practices. She specializes in nutrient recycling, organic farming, and climate-resilient agricultural systems, with a strong focus on empirical research and field trials. Her expertise includes data collection, statistical analysis, and research design for evaluating the impact of agricultural interventions. As a doctoral researcher, she is currently investigating the role of cattle manure in enhancing sweet potato yield and nutritional quality, demonstrating her commitment to sustainable soil fertility solutions. She has led multiple research projects in rice cultivation, peri-urban agriculture, and food security strategies, integrating farmer participatory research approaches. Her technical skills extend to GIS mapping for agricultural planning, stakeholder engagement, and scientific writing. With a strong publication record and extensive field experience, Martha is a leading researcher driving innovation in sustainable crop production.

📖Publications

Agricultural Scientific Officer
  • Authors: Martha Ligola Sheepo
  • Journal: Conceptualization, Data curation, Funding acquisition, Investigation
  • Year: 2023-05-31